How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Children

Separation anxiety affects most children, especially when they first start school or be away from home for an extended period. The symptoms experienced by children with separation anxiety are similar to the symptoms experienced by adults during a panic attack: extreme fear, inability to relax or sleep, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. There are some methods that are effective in coping with the condition, and you can easily teach these to your child.

As with other anxiety disorders, an understanding of the mechanisms of the condition is the first step towards a solution. Separation anxiety makes a child nervous and fearful, and it may condition them to think unrealistically. You can easily spot a child with separation anxiety when they frequently refuse to leave home or go to school without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. The child may even experience stomach pains, head aches, and regular irritability.

The condition may often develop after a child experience a stressful event. The stressful even could be anything from being scolded or losing a toy, so it is important to immediately identify any symptoms and treat them accordingly.

Medication and psychotherapy are the usual treatment options for separation anxiety. It is also important for the child’s guardians to focus on the child’s health and ensure that the child is eating properly and is getting enough rest. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest can lead to the development of other anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, a type of counseling, is one of the most effective and proven ways for treating anxiety in adults, and is also used to treat separation anxiety in children. This type of therapy focuses on helping the child become comfortable with being separated from their caregiver for longer and longer periods of time, and encourages the child to develop appropriate behaviors for dealing with leaving their family. Medication and herbal remedies may be an option for some children suffering from separation anxiety. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and herbal remedies that help to lower stress levels can help the child better cope with the situation and become more comfortable with the idea of being away from their parents or caregiver.

Separation anxiety cannot be totally prevented, but it is a manageable condition. A more complete approach can be used for difficult cases. Solving this condition early on will improve the chances of the child to develop a healthier approach and attitude to life.

If you have ever suffered from anxiety when planning holidays or traveling, there is hope. Powerful non-pharmaceutical approaches are available to help you to free yourself from the unsettling thoughts that can lead to a panic attack.